COVID-19: How to know when you can stop self-isolating after symptoms

Looking for more of the best deals, latest celebrity news and hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canada’s newsletter!

A woman arrives at the COVID-19 assessment centre at the Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto on March 24. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

To stop the spread of COVID-19, health experts around the world continue to emphasize the importance of staying home if you’re exhibiting any symptoms, like fever and dry cough.

But those who are recovering at home, what does self-isolating actually look like? And how can someone with COVID-19 symptoms avoid getting others in their household ill?

“If you are sick, that means avoiding contact with other family members,” Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said at a recent media briefing.

“If people are sick, they need to stay in their house, stay in their room, and not interact with anyone,” added Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

While information related to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 (the illness it causes) is changing at a lighting pace, people should stay up-to-date with the most current advice coming from public health authorities.

In practical terms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests people recovering at home and their family members follow several recommendations to reduce the risk of spread:

Besides staying in their own room, the person who is sick should use their own bathroom if possible. They should wash their hands thoroughly before and after using the washroom. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, taps, sinks, and countertops, should be wiped down after each use of the washroom by the infected person.

Clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.

Do not share towels.

Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, bedding, books, newspapers, remote controls, laptops, mobile devices, keyboards, or any other common items in the home.

After the infected person handles plates, bowls, glassware and utensils, they should be washed thoroughly. Family members should only pick up these items with disposable gloves and they should wash their hands properly afterward (even after removing gloves).

Household members should care for pets. Unfortunately, those who are ill should not be petting or cuddling with their beloved animal.

When possible, leave windows open in shared spaces or otherwise ensure good air flow.

“After the recovery period and you no longer have symptoms, it’s OK to do something outside: you can go for a walk, bike ride, or run, but not in places when you come into contact with other people,” Henry said. “If you still have symptoms, it’s not OK to go in a grocery store or in a taxi, but yes it’s OK to go out with your dog in the backyard or walk your dog in in a secluded place by yourself. Maintain your distance from others.”

Those with symptoms but unknown infection status can use the BC Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool to determine their next steps.